In a thrilling Big 12 conference showdown, the No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks engineered a remarkable 16-point comeback to defeat TCU 104-100 in overtime on Tuesday night, January 6, 2026. Freshman guard Darryn Peterson, a projected top NBA draft pick, led the charge with a career-high 32 points, including three clutch free throws with seconds left in regulation to force the extra period, highlighting his potential as a future star.
The game at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, saw TCU dominate early, building a substantial lead behind a breakout performance from Liutauras Lelevicius, who scored a career-high 23 points with five three-pointers. The Horned Frogs’ defense stifled Kansas for much of the contest, extending their advantage to 16 points midway through the second half and putting the Jayhawks on the brink of a conference loss. TCU’s David Punch added 20 points, continuing his double-digit scoring streak, but Kansas began to rally as the clock wound down.
Kansas’ comeback was fueled by increased defensive intensity and key contributions from multiple players. Melvin Council Jr. provided a spark with critical baskets, while Flory Bidunga contributed 16 points and crucial rebounds inside. The Jayhawks slowly chipped away at the deficit, cutting it to three points with under a minute remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish that would swing the momentum in their favor.
In the final moments of regulation, TCU appeared to seal the win with free throws, but Bidunga’s tip-in kept Kansas within three. A turnover on the ensuing inbounds play gave the Jayhawks possession, and Peterson drew a foul on a three-point attempt with just seconds left. He calmly sank all three free throws to tie the score at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime and electrifying the home crowd.
During overtime, Kansas seized control early, with Council Jr. scoring nine of his 18 points to establish a slim lead. The Jayhawks’ defense tightened, forcing TCU into difficult shots, and they capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 11 attempts. TCU managed only 2 of 4 from the line in the extra period, unable to mount a counter-rally as Kansas held on for the victory.
The win improves Kansas’ record to 11-4 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12, providing a crucial bounce-back after a slow start in conference play. For TCU, the loss drops them to 11-4 and 1-1, highlighting missed opportunities despite strong performances from Lelevicius and Punch. The game underscores the unpredictable nature of college basketball and the importance of composure in high-pressure situations.
Peterson’s standout performance, despite being limited to six games this season due to injuries, bolsters his status as a top prospect for the 2026 NBA draft and offers hope for Kansas’ postseason aspirations. Looking ahead, both teams will aim to build on this intense matchup as they navigate the competitive Big 12 landscape, with Kansas seeking consistency and TCU focusing on closing out games.
